Hampton University, City Hall at odds over floating bed-and-breakfast

Bed and breakfast planned at Joy's Marina in downtown

HAMPTON — A houseboat converted into a bed-and-breakfast on the Hampton River has received the city's blessing, but not before creating a row between City Hall and neighbors at Hampton University.

Archie F. and Linda D. Allen plan to moor a roughly 2,000 square-foot boat at the dock at Joy's Marina and operate it as a floating bed and breakfast.

The plan received the backing from the Hampton Planning Commission and Downtown Hampton Development Partnership.

Hampton University's administrative council, however, declined to endorse the project because of concerns about the marina's clientele mingling with students, Hampton University Vice President for Business Affairs and Treasurer Doretha Spells wrote in a letter to Hampton Vice Mayor George Wallace.

"With the potential for drinking, loud music and personal clashes, we believe that it presents a toxic situation," Spells wrote. "We would hate, as I am sure that you and the Hampton City Council would, for any kind of violent confrontation or injury to arise after your being warned of this potential."

City Council members approved the project Wednesday evening in a split vote. Councilman Donnie Tuck cast the lone opposing vote. Councilman Chris Stuart abstained because his business does work with Hampton University.

"This could be a major feather in our cap," Wallace said. "But at the same time, we want to be sensitive to a university that is a major employer in our community."

The downtown marina at 424 E. Queen St. sits on a sliver of land bordering the Hampton River and Hampton University, just south of the Settlers Landing Road bridge. Spells asked that the boat instead be moored at the city piers, just across the Hampton River.

Numerous residents living along College Place had attended Planning Commission meetings to express concerns about potentially disruptive marina patrons and litter.

Hawkins said Allen met with the college committee, although they could not reach an agreement.

Patrons must purchase at least two nights on the boat to stay on weekends. The roughly $400,000 boat will remain stationary, Allen's attorney, S. Frear Hawkins said.